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Our Team

STAFF

Shmuli Nachlas – Executive Director

Rabbi Shmuli Nachlas established the Jewish Youth Network of Ontario in 2008. He directs the accredited JYN Academy high school and co-ordinates the city-wide Teens For the Community (TFC) Volunteer and Leadership Training program. As well, Rabbi Shmuli organizes yearly retreats and shabbatons to New York, Washington and Mt. Tremblant, regularly hosts Friday night Shabbat dinners for teens, teaches one-on-one pre-marriage classes to newly-engaged grooms, counsels privately to teens, and leads the popular “Over The Top” Travel camp along the U.S. West Coast during the summer summer months.

Ms. Judy Brown – Executive Assistant

Judy Brown has been working as the executive assistant to Rabbi Shmuli Nachlas for just under three years. She has over 25 years of experience in administrative and clerical management, fundraising logistics for non-profit events and dinners, and plays a vital role in developing and nurturing client relationships. Judy’s highly organized approach gives her a unique ability to focus on multiple projects at one time and carry them through to fruition. Her particular passion and expertise is directly related to fundraising and strategic planning, which has been a great asset to Jewish Youth Network. When not working at JYN, you can find Judy painting, exercising, and spending time with her daughter and little puppy, Remy.

Mrs. Chani Nachlas – Hebrew School Director

Chani Nachlas is Director of JYN Hebrew School as part of JYN’s mission to engage and educate our youth. Besides raising a beautiful family of five children, Chani also works alongside Rabbi Shmuli, hosting Friday night Shabbat dinners and holiday programs for teens and alumni. She teaches one-on-one pre-marriage classes, and offers personal guidance and counselling. With the new JYN Centre looming on the horizon, Chani is actively involved in fundraising and development.

Mrs. Shayna Krybus – JYN Academy Principal

Shayna Krybus has been working as part of the Jewish Youth Network team for seven years, and has been Principal of JYN Academy for the past three. She has earned an H. BSc from the University of Toronto and an MA from McGill University. In her many years spent at post-secondary institutions she has learnt the importance of learning beyond the book and the classroom, and that new experiences enrich one’s life in some of the best ways possible. With this knowledge, she aims to infuse the students of JYN Academy with excitement for academia and it is her goal to make sure that every student is the best he or she can be. When not working at JYN you can find Shayna baking, reading prolifically, or playing in the mud with her boys.

Mrs. Leah Ostfeld – Office Administrator

What began for Leah as sporadic office assistance during JYN’s humble beginnings 8 years ago has now emerged into a full-time administrative position at JYN. Leah has earned a combined B.A. from York University in Political Science and Psychology, with special interest in Languages and the Arts. Acquired English skills have stood her in good stead for email correspondence, press releases, fundraising solicitations and basic admin qualifications. She passionately espouses JYN’s youth engagement mandate based on Chabad philosophy and enjoys the bustling JYN student environment. When she is not at the office, Leah is equally busy devoting her time as a hands-on, involved mother & grandmother—her primary love and occupation.

Ms. Kaili Mandel – Development

Kaili Mandel provides development support to the Jewish Youth Network team. She has been working with children for last 9 years finding a special niche in the field of fundraising to enhance Jewish education. Kaili values being part of an organization that encourages leadership amongst children and is proud to raise awareness for JYN. Being involved in her family’s foundation since she was a youth herself, she understands the importance of instilling direction at a young age. Kaili decided to share her passion for Judaism and make a career out of it. With Kaili’s help, we were able to facilitate our first ever charity golf tournament which was a huge success. In a short time, Kaili has formed relationships with some of Toronto’s top stakeholders whom are now proud supporters of JYN. Growth and development within our organization translates to growth in the Jewish community as a whole.